Guitar Lessons for Beginners
by Jim Barrie

There are a lot of resources available online for the beginner guitarist, varying from free, to expensive - so how can you really be sure you're not wasting and time or money on something when you could be learning so much faster elsewhere and wowing your friends?

Read this checklist and you will have a number of questions to ask of the online resources to make sure you get the best value for your money.

There are no magic shortcuts - despite amazing claims many systems make. Deciding to teach yourself means disciplining yourself. Keeping motivated and making sure you practice as often as possible is the key.

1. Does the guitar lessons have video? - To be value for money insist your guitar lessons are shown as video as it will be much easier to learn and much more fun.

2. Make sure you get audio to play along to? - Playing along to music is the fastest way to learn and develop your technique & rhythm.

3. Make sure the content has an easy way to learn to read music and tab? This is another must have seeing as the tab and music for just about every song ever written is available online - you need something easy so you can learn to play any guitar song.

4. Guitar tuning software is a must? Playing your favourite tracks or with custom made jam tracks is pointless if your not in tune...

5. Does the system guitar lesson have a method of keeping you motivated? When your beginning to learn the guitar motivation is everything, the best systems have ways to deal with this, this is a must have requirement.

6. Does the content have something to keep you in time? The best ones offer a metronome or other rhythm keeping device.

7. Does the system have a clear learning path? Look for a game plan so you know you are making progress.

This simple checklist should help you decide which beginner guitar lesson option is best for you. You basically get what you pay so keep these 7 basic questions in your mind when evaluating your option

Recommended resources that I am aware of that offer great value and cover the 7 key points.

Lead guitar lessons for beginners.

Acoustic guitar lessons for beginners.

Source: Ultimate guitar blog.